Indian Fashion

Pearl Academy Portfolio 2018

March 26, 2018

Pearl Academy is the harbinger of fashion revolution with a futuristic outlook. The finale of FDCI Amazon India Fashion Week, 2018, became more exuberant with the creations of graduating students of Pearl Academy under the theme of ‘Future of Fashion’, presenting it as a day long ‘Pearl Academy Portfolio 2018’ fashion show series. They put up a set of 5 impressive shows. We enjoyed Show 1 which had highly appealing themes such as Indie – Fused, Azure Fantasy, Soul Fit, Textile Assemblage, Neutral Block, Lavender Mint, Blocks Divided, Prarie Tangerine, Femme Regale, Noir League, L’ Blanche, Dusk Strut and Bijoux by Jewellery Design students of Pearl Academy, Jaipur. Show 2 had an interesting range of themes and concepts such as, Summer Kaleidoscope, Welsh Summer, Yuppy Strut, Sci-Fi Street, Turmeric Tales, Vandalists, Aqua-Rouge, Rusted, Occult Force, Print & Patch and Tourmaline among others. The final year students of Fashion styling and Image Design showcased a highly thought out collection that combined the need for fashion sustainability with preservation of traditional Indian craft without compromising with the ever advancing fashion trends. The students are sensitive to both fashion culture and the power of fashion as a driver of social change. They conceptualized ‘Fashion as a voice for Social Activism’ by pairing it up with an elegant ‘Black Swan’ ballet performance. The young designers showed their prowess by creating exquisite costumes to convey body-positivity movements and gender aesthetics through it. Rajul Goldar brought our attention to environment-friendly fabrics that do not involve shedding of trees. He is spearheading a movement to bring about the face of forests on ramp along with promoting the use of non-cellulosic fabrics. The collection by Pallavi Yadav had a story of deconstructing of the garment and decorating it with zero-water embellishments. A luxrious collection – Tawaif – drew …

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Rimple And Harpreet Couture 2016

August 2, 2016

If we have to describe this collection in a sentence, then that’d be ‘Obsession with Animatic Embroidery’. Because we were head over heels as the models walked the runway for Rimple and Harpreet Couture 2016 collection that they showcased at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016. Their was something about the embroidery designs that spoke volumes about various regions that were incorporated into the theme of this collection. True to its name –Hiraeth by Rimple & Harpreet Narula, puts the audience in a nostalgic trance at the India Couture Week today. Bespoke remnants, drawn out of fond memories, are brought to life on the runway against a warm backdrop created by the lush drapes of antique textiles. The mood slips into somber melancholy with Punjabi poetry of Amrita Pritam fused with music. The travelogue comes to life with a riot of motifs inspired by the visual delights from the flea markets of the world. The audience’s mystical journey moves through quaint locations from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Samarkand, Bagnoregio, Palampore, Baluchistan with ancient relics of birds, beasts, paisleys, trellises and cartouches expressed through the embroidered motifs. Each ensemble had a story of its own to tell. Uniquely designed in luxurious drape of vintage textile in ethereal hues ranging from ivory, gold, marsala, midnight blue come together to make magic on the runway. Adding grandeur to the outfits, regal cloaks, dramatic jackets and sheer robes enhanced the classic silhouettes. Hiraeth, a collection that spelled couture royalty, found its crowning glory in the Minar lehenga worn by the talented Yami Gautam. The Minar lehenga features stunning hand embroidered motifs derived from a Mughal monument lit up under a star-spangled midnight sky. Inspired by a Mughal monument that Harpreet stumbled upon during his recent visit to Benares, the showstopper lehenga boasts of tall, strong embroidery …

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REYNU TAANDON COUTURE 2016

July 30, 2016

Designer Reynu Taandon is known for keeping up with the traditional values of Indian wedding culture. Not only does she balance the heirloom silhouettes of bridal trousseau, but her colour palette too circulates around the hues of Red, Orange and Pink. Reynu Taandon Couture 2016 collection showcased at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016 was no guessing game either. Although, her experimentation with the modern Dhoti pants style and the lehenga with long kurtis did speak about the 2016 approach towards the Indian bridal culture. Reynu Taandon titled her collection ‘KAMANGARI’ in association with SUNAR Jewels. Actress Divya Khosla Kumar walked as the show stopper for the show. ‘KAMANGARI ‘is inspired from the beauty & grandeur of Rajasthan. Fashion changes with every seasonal breeze but traditional clothing has come to a point where it is tagged as vintage. Evoking a spirit of royalty in every seam and stitch,Reynu’s collection is for the ‘new-age’ bride – a girl that redefines the conventional bridal fashion with all that is modern along with an imperial twist! Every silhouette reflects Rajasthan’s ethnic heritage – ranging from meticulously handcrafted foil printing to usage of block prints on vibrant Chanderi fabrics. To put it differently, the cuts, colors, fabric and crafts of this collection recreate Rajasthan on a vivid palette. Swirling lehengas, dramatic backs and extravagant anarkalis, are the pieces de resistance of this collection and each of them bespeaks of royalty. A couture collection that is a perfect fit for the modern bride who not only wishes to retain her originality but also reflect the intensity of emotions through the silhouettes she dons. A breathtaking sight when it comes to interplay of various kinds of embroideries cemented with appliqué detailing.For Reynu Taandon, ‘KAMANGARI ‘is all about redefining the traditional bride while taking a leap into …

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Pearl Portfolio 2016 | FDCI India

May 12, 2016

“Pearl Academy to come out with the best pearls in the fashion industry!” – Sunil Sethi (at the Fashion week) The annual exhibition – cum – graduation celebrations of Pearl Academy presented Pearl Portfolio 2016 wherein fresh new graduates of Pearl Academy displayed a resplendent collection portraying a diverse range of themes. The young designers did their utmost in making the show a memorable one. We loved the geometric patterns and jaali-work in Artful Lines, the ravishing ‘Brandished Gold’ collection, the quirky and hooded collection of Elysium, the beautiful ‘Mystical’, and the flowy, colorful “OVER THE RAINBOW” collection. It must have meant so much to the students as the show was attended by bigwigs like Sunil Sethi, President of the FDCI, Manish Malhotra, while Amit Aggarwal came as the chief guest for the Pearl Folio. The show marked the signing of the breakthrough collaboration of Pearl Academy and FDCI in imparting quality fashion education. The stage has now been set for a transformation of future of design in India. The Indian fashion industry has reached new heights not only in economy but also in quality. And what better way to sustain this growth than by revolutionizing the contours of fashion education. The collaborative program called #FolioLive will have FDCI designers mentoring Pearl Academy Students, FDCI to host masterclass for Pearl Academy Faculty, The academy Alumni and students will also get to showcase their collections at FDCI Amazon India Fashion Week every season. India’s Pearl Academy, with a legacy of 22 years of shaping creative minds, has taken one step forward in this endeavour. With a mission to match the world class education in fashion and design, the Pearl Academy has come in a contract with the 400-member strong Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The FDCI is the quintessential flag bearer …

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Benetton Winter 2015 Affair

November 18, 2015

Probably a little late to say that we are slowing crawling into the clench of frost-biting winters, but a Fall 2015 OOTD post had to happen! Being a summer baby (Yes! I hate the winter blues and prefer sunny side up any time), I am still trying to soak in as much summer warmth as possible. Out for my regular working day, I visited the shopping hub of Saket (Delhi) recently. While wandering through the shopping joints of the mall, I visited the mansion of signature Polo shirts and other flirty yet sporty silhouettes – Benetton and boy! I was in for a treat. United Colors of Benetton has, since the last few seasons, ventured into the serious business of fashion; with collections designed around current market trends and interests of the fashionistas; worldwide. This year too, for their Fall/Winter 2015 collection, the brand has presented a diverse range of western wear that advances from the basics to party, formal and casual wear. Having featured the Benetton Menswear 2015 Collection earlier, it was time for me to dress-up in ‘UCB’ tags and strut around the waiting lawns of Select Citywalk. Take a look at what I wore! First things first, I instantly fell in love with this colour blocked shirt from their Fall 2015. I mean, doesn’t it remind you of Picasso and his affair with colours?   I had been literally on hunt out for the perfect pair of reflector sunnies and this one from the brand just wooed me away! If you are wondering how come I managed to work up some make up, then well, it was the result of my meet with Sonic Sarwate of M.A.C. Psst have you checked out the video, yet? Here’s the LINK. I have a few big luggage bags from the brand and this time …

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STYLEBUYS.com – Our Fashion Mediator

October 23, 2015

StyleBuys.com gives ‘Single Window For All E-Shops’ experience! As e-commerce is expanding at an unprecedented rate in India, all of us who are hooked to internet shopping are being gratified like never before. There are more websites, more variety and more fun! But I have to admit that this can also lead to a lot of confusion and mess when I have to hop from one site to another say in search of my dream dress. I tend to spend more time looking into the stock available on one shopping portal and then I venture into another.  The same drill continues until I get hold of something that not only satiates my style-sense but also fits me well! Yes, it eats up a helluva precious time. To this great problem I have finally got a great solution! It is a place where I can get the best of trends from all other leading shopping portals without setting a foot in each of their search engines separately.  Stylebuys.com hunts and gathers products from trusted ‘shops’ like Koovs, Myntra, Jabong, Faballey, Indiatimes, Snapdeal, Zivame, Flipkart et al, and serves it on a single plate to much of our convenience. On finding something appealing, I click on it and get redirected to the source-site or shop. Suppose I pick a floral skirt from Koovs, I get redirected to Koovs.com and here I can make a purchase. So, Stylebuys.com is a fashion search engine and not a shopping site per se. The search service by StyleBuys.com is quick and endowed with various helping tools to make our hunt easier and time-saving. Here we can view up to 200 items on a single page. The loading is quick, the site is not too heavy. Apart from women they have got sections for men and kids …

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AIFWSS16 Interview with Dhruv Kapoor

October 7, 2015

Everyone is anticipating now that a new season of Amazon India Fashion Week Spring Summer’16 is round the corner. While Delhi is gearing up for the winter season, we Delhiites are still keen on finding out what trend stories have the Indian designers defined for the year 2016. Before we head on to experiencing the runway in person, a little sneak peak into one of Bollywood’s current favourite fashion designer’s collection story can’t be ruled out. Dhruv Kapoor has become a prominent design expert with Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor favouring his ensembles into their press OOTD collections. While Dhruv has promised us to wait and experience his collection first hand on the ramp, he is happy to share an insight on his professional life right now and his thoughts on AIFWSS16. Check out our chatty yet quick tête-e-tête with him! 1. A night before my show I try to sleep. 2. On the day of my show I wear something new from the collection but also comfortable enough to run in.  3. The most treasured item in my closet is? Things we own should never be so important it hurts to part with them.  4. I am excited about the way I’ve planned my show this season, and the next.  5. My fashion show must-haves include a shot of tequila.  6. My Spring 2016 collection is all about subverting ideas, spirituality, silent power and private luxury.  7. The fabrics I’ve used in this collection include organic denim, organic jersey, cotton poplin, cotton-silk satin, flat chiffon and silk satin. 8. For me, my collection has to have something for everyone.  9. I love when my clients say “I love the way your cuts hide my flaws!”. 10. I wouldn’t survive Fashion Week without friends.  Dhruv Kapoor will be showcasing his collection on 10th October at NSIC Grounds. Don’t forget to …

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Zotiqq Subscription Box Review (August)

August 23, 2015

Lately, I have been investing in a lot of jewellery. Mostly eyeing on what’s on discount, I’ve been wandering on e-commerce webbies and surfing through the fashion streets of Delhi. For some this might seem like an easy-peasy, but collecting the right accessories that will please your personal style and will be up with the current trends is a cray task. Not to forget the array of baubles collection we review on a long panel and get confused as what to try and what to buy. Zotiqq doing everything *exotic* has ventured into easing out this dilemma for us. Not only are they pulling out best of their jewels to fit the monthly trends, but are also offering a subscription box which is loaded with jewels worth double the amount of what you are paying! Check out their entire range of subscription boxes, which have been designed to please the new-customers as well as their regular fans. – Zotiqq Subscription Box Link If you remember, I introduced Zotiqq on my blog with a few details about what kind of jewellery they offer. If you haven’t, go check it out HERE. This time around, I am featuring their ‘Fashionista Box’ which comes with a bonus voucher of Four Fountain Spa. Yay! Fell in love with these chandelier earrings the moment I unwrapped my subs box. These are not only apt to brighten up even a simple black dress, but their light weight makes it more wearable for longer hours. I am absolutely floored by the beauty of these and am loving wearing them for both regular parties and traditional gatherings. This necklace is a pure pastel bliss. The subtle hues of pink all over makes it the perfect party-mood statement piece. Wear it with a regular dress or tuck it in under your …

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Indian Fashion Trends That Made History

August 15, 2015

Happy Independence Day to all my ‘Desi Swaggers’! Hope you’ve all had an inspiring start of the day with a power packed speech by Mr. Modi over a cup of your hot Darjeeling Tea. The history of our country’s Independence is truly remarkable. Although we can never analyse the depth of struggle that our heroes put into giving us a free world that we live in now, such notable days are still worthy of paying tribute to our heroes and remembering them for their work and sacrifices. Their are several ways in which Indians celebrate the Independence Day. While some opt to fill their social media feeds with inspiring posts, few celebrate the day by watching historic movies over a palette of Indian cuisines; and then their are some who put up their best ethnic avatar to add on to the celebrations. Everything tangerine, green and white is their motto. Well, I too have been shuffling through my wardrobe, trying to pick the right trio coloured #ootd for the day. But don’t you think the same trio style every independence day has become a bit mundane? Well, for those who are feeling patriotic and are looking at adopting it to their personal style, how about a throwback to our Indian history and the styles of our great heroes? Fashion is a piece of art that too strives on inspiration that can float in from almost anywhere. On the occasion of India’s 69th Independence Day, presenting to you a list of some remarkable trends that were sworn in as a signature by our great Indian Heroes. Take a look! THE GANDHIAN GLASSES The father of our nation was known for his khadi drapes, a walking stick in hand, kolhapuri flat chappals and his famous round reading glasses. The simplicity of these wired frames were soon taken over …

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Royal Enfield : Riders on the Storm (OOTD)

June 9, 2015

We girls are often pictured in pretty pink toned feminine silhouettes. So much so that the very idea of being edgy mostly falls appalled by the society. But in this world of being at the forefront, baring yourself to the rough wind and walking driving down the raw paths is what keeps us all going. Royal Enfield recently launched first of its kind gear & wear store at Khan Market, Delhi. Just like any other blogger launch event, I went to check out the collection. Wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the collection so much, that a mere conversation with their team member Radhika and an exceptional idea of doing a feature will prosper into this immensely victorious OOTD feature. Take a look! Psst.. the braids just happened to be by accident. I had roughly braided up to get frizzy hair at the time of the shoot, but everyone insisted that I keep the braids on as it brought out the more raw look to my attire. Well, rest is history.   Photographs Courtesy : Faizan Patel Photography Outfit Details T-Shirt, Jacket, Jeans, Gloves, Bag& Helmet – Royal Enfield Heels – Next UK Ring – Thrifted from Manali   The Despatch Rider inspired collection exemplifies Royal Enfield hallmarks: craftsmanship, durability & detail. Leather jackets are the defining pieces of this collection, complimented by other outer wear pieces. Cold weather layering gets a leg up with sweaters, sweatshirts and henleys. The additional outer wear items include over-shirts, t-shirts, denim trousers, water resistant canvas bags, belts, wallets and shoes in pure leather. Find them in Delhi No.31A, Khan Market, Delhi Twitter : https://twitter.com/RoyalEnfieldIn

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